Edwards' "Leaked" Strategy Memo

For a moment there, I felt so special: an Edwards campaign operative reached out to me to ask if I’d like a copy of the presidential candiate’sÂ New York strategy. Anonymously, of course.

Nah, I said.

No, not really. I sent back a memo saying, in so many words, yeah,Â sure. Please.

You probably figured this out, and in less time than it took me, thatÂ the “strategy memo” is what you might call an “alternative format press release.” It talks of how Edwards has an “excellent chance” of winning delegates, hisÂ target demographics in appealing campaign terms (example: “Voters fed-up with the broken system in Washington”), a recap of where Edwards ran well in 2004, who’s already endorsed him, and a recap of the national race so far from Edwards’ standpoint.

And the bottom of the ad, excuse me, strategy memo, includes a “Paid for by John Edwards for President” notation normally reserved for political advertising.

Still, credit some strategist for thinking of it. A standard press release with the same information might have done straight to the out basket.

I hesistate to post the whole thing, but since someone is going to ask, here you go.